Exhibitions, bilateral conferences, publication of a commemorative stamp and a photo album of archival pictures are among a host of activities lined up to mark 70 years of diplomatic ties between India and Russia.
The celebrations have, in a way, already begun and the main event would be held on April 13 here, top Russian Embassy officials in Delhi said.
"Several events would be held in both India and Russia to mark completion of 70 years of our ties. There would be exhibitions, bilateral conferences, exchange of congratulatory messages between the two countries at high-level.
"Commemorative articles will be written by President Vladimir Putin and Prime Minister Narendra Modi in major dailies too. Besides, a special stamp would also be released," Senior Cousellor at the Embassy, Sergey V Karmalito told PTI.
He said a major event in this series would be the "first Industrial Military Conference scheduled mid-March".
"Several business captains from both sides will come together for the event and discuss ways to further strengthen ties in the sector," he added.
India and Russia established diplomatic relation on April 13, 1947, four months before the former's independence.
The Indian Embassy in Russia has also lined up special events in the country as part of 'Namaste Russia'.
"Over the last seven decades, our relationship has blossomed into a Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership," the embassy said.
A special logo has been brought out on the occasion. This year India will also be the Guest Country at the St Petersburg International Economic Forum in June.
"There will be exhibitions portraying the journey of 70 years. Besides, there would be exhibition on noted artist Nicholas Roerich -- Days of Roerich -- and works of a noted Indian artist, who studied in St Petersburg and paints in the style of Roerich, would also be exhibited," Karmalito said.
Anatoly Kargapolov, Charge D'affaires of the Russian Embassy in New Delhi, said India and Russia have had relations since the 19th century when "we had a consulate in Bombay (Mumbai) but it was in 1947 that a formal agreement was signed to establish diplomatic ties and an embassy here".
"A new book detailing the journey of Russian travellers, including envoys, scholars, artists and others, during Czarist era of the country will be released in April. Also, a special commemorative volume, a photo album, are also being planned," Karmalito said.
"We are also working on joint production of films, documentary and feature, besides special clippings on 70th year. Film festival, we will try to do it in autumn. Also, we are trying to get a famous musician, Valery Gergiev for Symphonic Orchestra performance here," he said.
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